ARE LATE 40s/EARLY 50s RCAs PRONE TO LOW VOLUME ISSUES?

[Phil Nelson]

I don't know that particular model, but around that time RCA and some other manufacturers used a "split sound" audio system. The audio and video signals have separate chains of IF amplification. Unless both are correctly aligned, the tuning spot where you hear the best (loudest) sound may not be the same as the tuning spot for best picture.

In later designs, there is only chain of IF amplifiers. The audio signal is picked off following that stage, and thus the sound is more likely to coincide with best picture.

Your sets may have other issues, of course, but this is a common problem. Some folks try to improve the sound by tweaking things "by ear." This is how many TVs got messed up in the past -- by people poking their fingers in the back and turning whatever screws they could find. The best cure is to do a realignment with the proper equipment, following the procedure in the service manual.

Phil Nelson